Weather Worries

As a kid I always got excited about thunderstorms and tornadoes. I would run outside to see them when possible. However, for many kids, severe weather is a source of significant anxiety.

Summer is severe weather season in Minnesota and if you live here you know we’ve had our share lately of intense thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and even tornadoes. Studies show that fear of personal harm associated with severe weather is quite common in kids grades 2 through 12 and it makes the top-20 list of things kids worry about (other top stresses for kids include public speaking, terrorist attacks, drowning, monsters/ghosts, and loss of a parent).

Kids can learn to manage weather related fears (and other fears). Self-care skills can help build their confidence in coping more positively around feelings of anxiety before or during extreme weather (watch Tim Culbert, MD, on WCCO working with a patient and family on these self-care skills).

Parents can also model a calm, self-controlled style when inclement weather strikes (this is a good self-care skills exercise to practice and model at home as a family unit).

If kids anxiety related to storms and tornadoes interferes substantially with day-to-day life (for example they won’t go outside – even in good weather), then they should see a pediatrician or child psychologist for further evaluation.

Here are some tips and resources I find useful in helping kids cope with anxiety around severe weather:

Having A Plan

Have a Weather Worries Toolkit stashed in the basement or wherever you go for severe weather

Include a board game that you can play, some scented candles, music CDs that are relaxing and some comfy blankets and pillows

Finding The Calm Within The Storm – Things to Do

Acknowledge Your Child’s Fear. Do not criticize, ignore, or belittle these feelings. Talk about it openly and give a name/words to what it is they are most afraid about.

Have a Plan and Rehearse It. It is best to practice skills when things are calm and controlled. Practice several times, then you will all be ready when severe weather occurs. With practice kids develop mastery and confidence. Parents should practice with younger kids and also model these techniques.

Limit Media Exposure. Television and radio media will sometimes cover inclement weather intensely. It is best to limit children’s exposure to this.

Get The Facts. Research the facts about severe weather and understand the reality of it and the conditions for it. Knowledge is power and will often reduce fears.

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